The camera is one (no pun intended) of the new HTC One’s most unique features. HTC has put a “Duo Camera” on the new HTC One (M8), with one Ultrapixel sensor and one depth sensor. This will allow for Lytro like focusing (giving the ability to adjust focal points after snapping a picture) and will offer higher detail than the previous HTC One. We're not quite sure why, however HTC has also included a 5MP wide angle front facing camera.

There are also a handful of new software features included in the new HTC One (M8) there’s SenseTV, a TV hub that works as a remote serving up social information based on TV programming, sports stats and more. Fitness information will be provided by Fitbit using either the HTC One (M8) or with the use of a Fitbit accessory. BlinkFeed will feature more content with third-party integration such as newly added Foursquare.

HTC has made the device available on select carriers. It will be coming to more carrier's in the US so check your carriers website for availablilty. We’ll keep updating with information as it’s available.

Friday, March 21, 2014

Apple's iTunes store may still be one of the most popular sources for downloading cheap music, however you need an iOS device to take advantage. According to Billboard, the magazine's own sources claim that Apple has begun discussions with several record label execs with topics ranging from a streaming service to compete with Spotify to an iTunes app for Android devices. Launching such an application isn't as simple as dropping it in Google Play. Complex negotiations with record labels are reportedly in the very early stages at this point so it'll likely be some time before we see this latest concept materialize, when and if it's due to debut.Source: Billboard

The latest addition to the Google Search app is the ability to launch your device’s camera using your voice. You can say “Take a photo” or “Take a video” and Google Now will launch you into the appropriate camera mode. This feature is not available to non Google Now Launcher users.

This feature is useful for the Moto X and other always listening devices. Without touching the phone, you could launch the camera and have it be ready to snap some photos.

Now what's on our mind: Is this smartwatch capable? Will smartwatch users be able to use this new functionality with smartwatches using Android Wear? What's your thoughts on this new feature, leave us your comments!To download and use the Google Now Launcher on any phone running Android 4.4 KitKat follow our link.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Motorola has just announced plans to bringing an Android Wear smartwatch this summer. From the looks of it the Moto 360 smartwatch will be a high end watch that rely a lot on traditional watch design. Motorola hasn't announced pricing or details regarding specs however has said the Moto 360 will feature “premium materials” and arrive globally in several styles this summer.

"Moto 360 keeps you on time and up to date without taking you out of the moment or distracting you, telling you what you need to know before you know you need it through subtle alerts and notifications. With just a twist of the wrist you can see who’s emailing or calling, what time your next meeting is or a friend’s latest social post… Moto 360 also responds to your voice. Just say “Ok Google” to ask questions like who won the Stanford vs. New Mexico game or what time your flight leaves, or to get stuff done like scheduling an appointment, sending a text, setting an alarm or taking a note".

The Moto 360 shows that Motorola will have what appears to be an option between a steel or a rubber-like material for the watch strap. The company posted a video (above) that gives a glimpse at the making of the watch.

Alongside the announcement of the new Android Wear SDK for wearables Google also announced a number of partners working on projects including Asus, HTC, LG, Motorola and Samsung. Chip makers Broadcom, Imagination, Intel, Mediatek and Qualcomm. Fashion brand Fossil Group.Source: Motorola Blog

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Republic Wireless has announced the availability of the Motorola Moto G. The 8GB version will cost $149 and the 16GB version will cost $179. Both are sold contract free, though customers can choose from several different financing options if they so wish. Republic Wireless which is a Sprint MVNO uses a combination of cellular data and Wi-Fi to pass VoIP based calls through the internet rather than through traditional voice networks. Republic Wireless offers several plans, including unlimited talk, text, and data on Wi-Fi only for $5 per month. The second includes unlimited talk and text on Wi-Fi and cellular, and unlimited data on Wi-Fi for $10 per month. The third includes unlimited talk, text and data on Wi-Fi, plus 3G cellular for $25 per month. The Moto G has a 4.5-inch 720p HD screen, 5-megapixel camera, and 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400 processor. It runs a stock version of Android 4.4 KitKat. The Moto G will be available beginning in April.Source: Republic Wireless

The good news is that not much is changing, at least for now. If you are an Aio Wireless customer, the only change you’ll see in the coming months is the new logo. You'll get access to the same network, same plans, and your same phone number. You also don’t need to change phones or update billing info.

When the Cricket and Aio brands are fully merged, you’ll be able to find retail Cricket stores and do shopping or ask questions. Until then you will receive support the same way you do now by dialing 611.

If you are a current Cricket customer, things will change significantly over time. For now, no need to change anything on your end but when you do Cricket will invite you into a new store to pick-up a new phone and plan.Source: Aio Wireless (The New Cricket)

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Google is doing away with Tap & Pay functionality on April 14 for non Android 4.4 KitKat devices. You will only be able to store loyalty cards and offers, send money to friends, view orders, and use the physical Google Wallet card to make purchases.

Google has begun sending emails out notifying users who meet the non KitKat criteria and also updated the Google Walletsupport pages.

Google mentions in the email that KitKat “works with different technology for an improved experience”. One can only assume Google is referring to Host Card Emulation (HCE). HCE allows devices to make secure NFC purchases without needing a Secure Element. This feature was first introduced with Android 4.4 KitKat update.

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Hello ladies and gentlemen, we here at The Phone Ninja need your help. We have created an Android app that is currently in beta.Please take the time to join our The Phone Ninja community by clicking the following link, after joining our community click our Google Play Store link to install our new The Phone Ninja Android app from the Google Play Store.Please be sure to comment on our The Phone Ninja community page as to errors, recommendations, or comments in regards to our Android app. Your recommendations and comments will allow us to make our app better.Thank you for "The Phone Ninja"...

Google announced today on its blog that it’s lowering the monthly pricing plans it offers for users buying extra storage on Google Drive. Google attributes the changes to “recent infrastructure improvements” that is allowing it to offer more affordable storage options. Google reminds us that, as always, Drive storage purchased through the new plans counts towards storage for Drive, Gmail and Google+ Photos.

The new plans begin at just $1.99 for 100GB (down from the previous $4.99). There is also a new $10 plan for 1TB (down from $50 previously), and a 10TB and up option that starts at $99.99. Google will also continue offering the free 15GB option that comes with your Google account for Drive, Gmail and Google+.

The new pricing plans for Google Drive are available now through www.google.com/settings/storage. Users that are already signed up for a monthly plan will be automatically switched to the new plans.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Hello ladies and gentlemen, we here at "The Phone Ninja" need your help. We have created an Android app that is currently in beta.Please take the time to join our "The Phone Ninja" community by clicking the following link, after joining our community click our Google Play Store beta link to join and install our new "The Phone Ninja" beta app from the Google Play Store.Please be sure to comment on our "The Phone Ninja" community page as to errors, recommendations, or comments in regards to our beta app. Your recommendations and comments will allow us to make our app better prior to the full release on the Google Play Store.Thank you for "The Phone Ninja"...

There have been rumors circulating for months regarding Sprint's interested in buying T-Mobile but nothing much has come of it. Sprint Chairman Masayoshi Son has admitted that the company is interested in purchasing the T-Mobile. The statement came in a TV interview between Son and Charlie Rose.

Son said "We would like to make the deal happen, but there are steps and details that we have to work out." He went on to explain how the deal would allow the number three and number four major wireless carriers in the U.S. to come together and finally be a true competitor to Verizon and AT&T. However, the Justice Department and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have made it clear that such a deal would face quite a bit of regulatory scrutiny.

Son believes it will allow Sprint to be competitive with Verizon and AT&T, but regulatory bodies would worry that having only 3 carriers of roughly the same size would decrease competition and hurt consumers. This is a reasonable worry especially after seeing the commotion T-Mobile has been making with its UNcarrier plans and how those changes have led to price wars throughout the industry. But, Son says that the deal would allow Sprint to push a faster network more aggressively and offer better prices to compete with the big two.

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Today during the SXSW Interactive event, Google’s Android and Chrome chief Sundar Pichai apparently announced that a new Android SDK for developers interested in developing wearables will arrive in the next two weeks. Google isn’t announcing any specific products, Pichai made it clear that Google will be approaching Android on smart watches and wearables much like on smartphones. With the new SDK, Sundar said the company plans to “lay out a vision for developers as to how we’ll see this market working.” Pichai also hinted that the new Android SDK for wearables will incorporate wearables beyond simply smartwatches.

Friday, March 7, 2014

Motorola announced today on its blog that its releasing a new “College Collection” of customization options through Moto Maker that will allow those purchasing a Moto X to apply custom school colors and logos for a long list of schools in the US. It’s also offering a discount on the device for students.

Included in the collection is nine new back colors, three new accent colors, as well as school logos and team names for 40 schools. The logos are actually printed on clear cases from Uncommon rather than on the device itself. You’ll have to select from one of the preconfigured color and school combination.

Motorola is currently offering the Moto X for $399 off-contract, students can get it for $339 by registering at Motorola.com/college using a valid .edu emails address. You can find out more and check out the full College Collection source link below. Motorolasaysits also looking into adding more schools in the future.

Asus today started accepting preorders for the device through a number of online retailers. Amazon is currently accepting orders and listing an expected release date of March 17th for the new Chromebox.

The new Chromebox from Asus will actually arrive in three CPU configurations. Preorders today start for the dual-core 1.4GHz Celeron 2955U model, while an Intel Core i3 will also arrive March 14 as will an i7 model for outside of North America. Other specs include 2GB RAM, a 16GB SSD, 4 USB 3.0 ports, SD card reader, HDMI, DisplayPort, Bluetooth 4.0, and dual-band 802.11 a/b/g/n. That’s all inside a case that measures 4.88″ x 4.88″ x 1.65” and comes in at 2.2 pounds.

Monday, March 3, 2014

With Google’s latest Android release, KitKat was a new homescreen/launcher experience that essentially merged Google's search app with the standard Android home screen. Unfortunately, up until now the feature was exclusive to the Nexus 5 and recently Google Play Edition devices.

This changed when Google released the Google Now Launcher app on Google Play allowing users to enable the functionality on any Android device running Android 4.4 KitKat. The experience brings a few improvements to Google Search integration on the home screen. The most notable is ability to have “always-on” voice commands using “OK Google”.

Google Now Launcher can be downloaded by following the source link below. Be sure to your Google Search app is up to date (linked below). Leave your comments, let us know what you thoughts are.

Samsung’s new Chromebook is now official. The biggest upgrades include the form factor featuring the faux leather stitching made famous by its Galaxy Note 3 and a new 1080P 13-inch display on the higher end $399 model. Both still use Exynos 5 Octocore processors, both come compete with 8.5-9 hours battery life claimed by Samsung. These machines also have wake times of less than one second and cold boots in less than ten.

Another improvement is the Hangouts video chat experience enhance by a 720P front side camera paired with improved mic and 2x 2W speakers.

Available in April, the 11.6-inch Samsung Chromebook 2 will be available for an MSRP of $319.99, while the 13.3-inch model is $399.99.

An FCC listing for the “All New HTC One” for Verizon. The listing doesn’t show anything new in terms of specs or features that wasnt previously leaked, however LTE bands 4 and 13, plus global roaming has been confirmed.

Verizon and HTC gave the All New HTC One for Verizon Wireless a model number of HTC6525LVW. Just to throw out some facts the original One from last year was released with a model number of HTC6500LVW. Assuming going for model number 6500 to 6525 seems like a natural progression, or at the least we can hope...